Technology Activation Words

noun A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Touch off' does not function as a noun in this context.

verb A verb is a word that expresses an action or state of being. In this case, 'touch off' is a verb phrase meaning to trigger or set off something.

adverb An adverb is a word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. 'Touch off' does not have an adverb in this context.

preposition A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. 'Off' is a preposition in the verb phrase 'touch off', indicating the direction or movement away from something.

• The match was used to touch off the fireworks display.
• He touched off a debate among his friends with his controversial statement.
• She touched off a party with her killer dance moves.
• The small argument touched off a full-blown conflict between the two countries.